It’s impossible not to get excited about chocolate as you take in the component parts of this café and factory, from the enormous sacks of cacao beans to the shiny metal vats filled with tempered chocolate. Dandelion Chocolate originates in San Francisco but the location in Kuramae, with its modern rustic interior, fits right into this quiet neighbourhood known for its vibrant artisan community.
Here you can witness the manufacturing process in action – while you indulge in all things chocolate, of course. The treats here are bean-to-bar, meaning Dandelion Chocolate is involved in the entire production process, from working with farmers and producers all the way through to the factory floor.
It’s difficult to choose any single dessert; luckily many of the sweets are available in a set. Get the brownie flight (¥750) to sample three baked chocolate cakes made with different varieties of cacao. Or get one of everything with the chef's tasting plate, a dessert platter of five mini treats, including a chocolate choux and pistachio crème brûlée.
There’s also a range of chocolate-based drinks like cacao nib cold brew coffee (¥500) and Kuramae hot chocolate (¥690), scented with local green tea leaves; or, if you want to pair you chocolate with something a little stronger, choose from craft beer and wine (¥770).